Orientation Event

We kick off the Mindfulness Program next week with an important Pre-Program Orientation Event.
This important event is for everyone participating in the Mindfulness Program in Term 1 to attend.

Please see details below:

WHAT: Mindfulness pre-program orientation session.
WHO: All (80) participants registered for the Mindfulness Program in Term 1, including you!
WHERE: Auditorium, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Road, Mt Coot-tha.
WHEN: Thursday 30th January.
PLEASE ARRIVE AT: 8:45am when doors open, so that you have time to register, collect your program materials and get a cuppa before we begin at 9am.
START TIME: 9am.
FINISH TIME: 11am.
CATERING: Tea + coffee available before we start. Morning tea provided around 10:45am.

At the Pre-Program Orientation Event you’ll be given:
• Important information on how to find the training room at the new Trade Coast venue, where we'll be starting in Week 1 of the program (at Eagle Farm).
• The Mindfulness Program pocket guide – which is a key resource for you to use each week of the program.
• Instructions on how to access the guided mindfulness practices for this program using the Insight Timer App.
• A Pre-Program survey so you can get familiar with what you’ll be learning in this program.
• An opportunity to connect with other participants and ask any questions, or raise any concerns, you have.
Please bring yourself and be on time, that's all you need!

Mindfulness Program FAQ's

What is this program? This program is an 8-week mindfulness program for Field Services Staff.

Who will be delivering this program? The program will be delivered by Rachel Grace, who gave talks on mindfulness at the 2018 and 2019 All Staff Forum.

Why would I do this mindfulness program? The value of this mindfulness program is that it will offer you an evidence-based, systematic and practical way to get your mind more fit. When your mind is more fit, it's better able to handle stressful stuff. With a fitter mind, well-being improves, and the things in life that rely on our well-being benefit - the quality of your health, relationships and work. This program will teach you how to surf the stressful waves of life with more skill and more ease.

Who can book into this program? If you have previously expressed interest in this program, you will receive a message on your phone and via email about how and when you can book your spot in the program starting in early 2020. Registrations are open to full-time Council staff, temporary staff and contract staff. To book in, you must have your supervisors’ approval, and you must also be available for all the dates associated with the program.

What are the timeslots available? There are four timeslots available. The program running in Term 1 of 2020 will have four groups running. You can choose which group to join. You have a choice of day: Tuesday or Thursday and you have a choice of time, either: 7am-8.30am or 9.30-11am.

Do I have to stay with the same time and day for the whole 8 weeks? Please note that you will need to stay in the same (day & time) group for the duration of the 8-week program.

What dates is the program running in Term 1? The start and finish dates for the 8-week program in Term 1, 2020 are:
The Tuesday groups start on Tuesday 4th February 2020 and runs every week for 8-weeks. The last class is on Tuesday 24th March.
Thursday groups start on Thursday 6th February 2020 and runs every week for 8-weeks.
The last class is on Thursday 26th March.
There is also a pre-program event and a post-program event for all participants in Term 1 to attend together. The pre-program event is on Thursday 30th January 2020.
The post-program event is on Tuesday 31st March 2020.
*Please see the tables further down this page for a complete list of all the dates associated with the program.

What dates is the program running in Term 2? The start and finish dates for the 8-week program in Term 2, 2010 are: The Tuesday groups start on Tuesday 28th April 2020 and runs every week for 8-weeks. The last class is on Tuesday 16th June. The Thursday groups start on Thursday 30th April 2020 and runs every week for 8-weeks. The last class is on Thursday 18th June. There is also a pre-program event and a post-program event for all participants in Term 2 to attend together. The pre-program event is on Thursday 23rd April. The post-program event is on Thursday 25th June. *Please see the tables at the end of this document for a complete list of all the dates associated with the program.

How long is each session? Each week’s session in the 8-week program is 90-minutes. Both the pre-program and post-program event will be 120-minutes.

Do I have to attend this program in my own time? Attending the program sessions will form part of your standard work day.

How much attendance is required? Attendance is required every week. If you are willing and able to commit to weekly attendance, please book in ASAP. If you cannot commit to all the dates associated with the program in Term 1 (see full list of dates below), please refrain from booking in at this time and instead, book into the next program offered in Term 2 of 2020.

How many people are there in each class? Each group will comprise of 21 participants.

How will places on the program be assigned? We will fill places in each group on a first-in, best-dressed basis.

What if the timeslot I wanted to book into is already fully booked? If the timeslot(s) you want are booked out, please consider joining another timeslot but if that's not possible, then please contact the Training team and ask to be added to the waitlist. We will contact you if a place opens. You can contact the training team on 3403 0303 or email: FS-Training@brisbane.qld.gov.au

What benefits will I get from this program? Through this program, you will develop the knowledge and skills to access the benefits of mindfulness for your well-being, professional performance and interpersonal relationships. This program is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills, not just for work, but for your life.

What will the vibe be like? Each session will comprise of a talk, guided practice, and a group discussion. You will learn about the science and core concepts of mindfulness. You will also develop understanding and skills in doing both formal and informal mindfulness practices.

What will the delivery approach be? The delivery approach will be down-to-earth, enjoyable and supportive. Yet the program will not just be a passive learning event. In every session, you will be invited to practice mindfulness and engage in group discussion. Every week you will be supported and challenged to identify how you are going to apply what you've learnt in your own life.

Why are there pre- and post-program events? Before and after the 8-week program, there will be an essential event for all participants to attend. Mica will host the pre- and post-program events at the Mt Coot-tha Auditorium. At these events, you will receive course materials, complete a short survey and be guided on how to connect to a mindfulness App, which will be a crucial practice resource for this program. Rachel will also share critical course information and address any questions you have in a Q&A session. The primary purpose of the pre-program event is to make sure everyone hits the ground running in week 1 of the program with the resources and information they need to get the most out of the program. The primary purpose of the post-program event is to celebrate your success and outline the ongoing opportunities for community leadership and involvement in mindfulness at Council.

What resources will I get to support my learning? All participants will be provided with a Mindfulness Program Pocket Guide that will comprise of a notebook and some necessary information about the program. In each weeks' class, you will then be given a collector card to add into your Pocket guide. Each collector card will summarise the key concept from that week's session and provide you with space to document the practise you're going to commit to doing in the upcoming week. You will also be supported to access a free mindfulness App so that you can listen to guided mindfulness practices recorded by Rachel specifically for participants in this program.